On-board entertainment in trains likely

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad is likely to roll out innovative measures in the rail budget on February 26. That may include on-board entertainment and fast food facilities along with other amenities as also strategies for energy conservation and safety steps in the wake of the Samjhauta train blasts recently.

On the lines of entertainment provided by Airlines, Prasad may announce launching of this scheme begining with Shatabdi Trains, Rail Bhawan sources said.

The Ministry, they said, had already received bids from a number of companies for this, including Reliance Infocomm and Adlabs, Tatas and Sahara TV. The bids are yet to be finalised.

Facing a daunting task of providing safe journey to its passengers in the wake of recent Delhi-Atari train link blasts near Panipat, the Railway Minister may come out with a new comprehensive plan to deal with situation taking also into account the growing threats from naxals and militants in several parts of the country.

Prasad may also outline srategies for greater coordination between states and Railways to deal with the situation.

Travelling could be made pleasant with Railways deciding to rope in fast food chains and install vending machines for beverages and food items.